It is likely that Louis van Gaal will strengthen further in the transfer window, with defensive options identified to reinforce their rearguard, and this can make all the difference to a title push. The two clubs in front of them are unlikely to recruit, with City limited by Financial Fair Play regulations and Jose Mourinho seemingly happy with his squad having spent a considerable amount in the summer.

With Wayne Rooney deployed in a newer, deeper position, it gives United the driving force in midfield that they have been missing, with the former Everton man adding steel and tenacity very much in the form of Roy Keane. Despite this move back, it hasn’t deterred his goalscoring; the skipper is currently joint-top with Robin van Persie on eight goals.

Having won five Premier League titles with the Red Devils throughout his career, Rooney’s experience will be vital to the side’s push in the second half of this season. Crucially for Van Gaal’s side, United don’t have the distraction or the added exhaustion of midweek European football, compared to rivals City and Chelsea, and this could prove to be a major difference in the last third of the campaign.

Returning players can also add something extra for Van Gaal, with the talented Daley Blind, Marouane Fellaini, Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young to come back. Ander Herrera has shown he can be a key player, chipping in with goals, while Angel Di Maria is world class.

Colombian hitman Radamel Falcao finally came good over Christmas and when he starts scoring regularly and doing what he is capable of, United will punish teams. They also have the advantage of facing both City and Arsenal at Old Trafford, which could be pivotal to the club’s success. At 16/1 to win the title, these odds are surely too good to ignore.